My Sunday photo 16/06/2019

How to be safe when dating in the BDSM community. **AD**

Hey readers, 

People have different tastes some enjoy traditional dating whilst others prefer more niche desires such as have certain fetishes like entering dominant and submissive relationships. 

This absolutely fine if both people agree and respect each other's wishes. On this post today I shall be discussing ways to be safe whilst dating a niche market on fetish dating.

1. Communication. 

 First port of call is to have communication between one another, knowing what each other wants and also where there is a line that draws where no means no. It is important to listen to one and other by showing respect to the decisions that a person has made. 

2.  Safe words. 

A suggestion that might be helpful is to use safe words that you both agree on should you need to use them and the person it is nothing and that they want to stop. Having that trust between one enough is important because it allows the individual to relax and enjoy themselves without the fear that something bad is going to happen. 

3. Take your time. 

Take it slow when you start dating someone new when it comes to dominant and submissive relationships. You need to get to know one another and also relax in each others company. That is key to making it a successful relationship so bother are happy and can both get pleasure without fear that something bad is going to happen. 

4. Limits. 

Limits are crucial because we all have them. Being clear to the person you are dating that this is soft limits where it is not concrete

that there is flexibility and may change over time. 

Hard limits are simply a no go area where you do not want to explore or be forced to do that makes you uncomfortable or not enjoy. Again it is going back to the communication and setting them clear batteries so each person knows exactly what they want.

5. Check-ins. 

I think check-ins are something that should be kept constant making sure that the individual giving something out is making sure that the other person is happy with the situation. Again it reinforced the idea of communication and making sure that the individual that is giving out knows where the person is happy, in pain or numb that they want to stop or change it some way.  

6. Physical.

It is also important to be aware of physical signs if the person doesn't look good in the sense that they are going to be sick or feel dizzy or into much pain. Then this is the time to stop and check everything is alright. 

7.  Gag. 

Gag safety can be hard to communicate verbally with safe words. So, something different would have to take its place when the individual is being gagged needs to let the other person know when it is too much for them. Some people wear something on the wrist that can make a sound when they jiggle it so that allows the individual given out the punishment to be alerted that the individual has had too much and they want it to stop. Alternatively using the three methods where three grunts or holding three fingers is a signal for the other person to stop now. 

There are plenty of good and trusted dating sites to check out such as subs-and-doms.com to meet similar like minded people.  

Cheers for reading X 

This is a sponsored post for subs-and-doms. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Paddling

Hey readers,

My word of the week is:

because I feel like some weeks where not much has happened but the sense of paddling on. 

I know for a fact that this will change as it won't be long before the final count down to end of the term. 

Therefore meaning that things go manic and my brain gets overloaded with trying to remember all the information with going sports day, ceremonies, etc.

In other news related to paddling is Ryton Pools which my eldest has been waiting all year to go as he knew from last year 2's went and paddled which he absolutely can't wait to try. 

You see last summer we went on a family peddle boat me, husband and the two kids and since then he has been desperate to do it himself. Well that day has finally arrived and he was so happy, bless him. 

My youngest has been coming home and repeatedly telling me how to say 1,2,3 in Spanish. I am pretty sure I didn't do that when I was at school when I was his age, oh how times have changed. 

So, overall my week has been relaxed which  I would moan about as I like the calmness that it brings. 

Hope you have had a good week. 

Cheers for reading X 

Older dating why not?! **AD**

Hey readers,

Just because you are in your 50's doesn't mean you have passed your sell-by date. In actual fact, many over the 50's are living their best lives. Some are single and ready to mingle for whatever reason one thing is for sure that there are many 50-year-old people wanted to hook up with like-minded people.

In this modern world that we live in, there are many different types of dating that people choose and not always going onto long term relationships.

It is fair to say that some people simply just want a bit of fun with a like-minded person and why not because life is worth having a bit of fun.

 A great site is singleandmature.com and it does what it says on the tin. If you're looking for like-minded over 50's or even '60s and '70s then you need to check out this site.

 You can find people close by to where you live and can check out the map to hook up with someone. You never know where it might lead. Another good point to add is this website is a great stepping stone if you haven't been in the dating game for many years it is great opportunity to meet like-minded people who are looking for similar desires to yourself. 

Alternatively, you may look for one-off connections where you can meet people who are also simply just looking for one night stands. This website one night stands is a fab niche place to dip your toes into and explore like-minded people. 

At the end of the day, you don't have to commit to anything. You can simply just check out what is available and if you like someone then it is a winner. 

We live in a modern world now and life isn't always about long term relationships sometimes people just want some sexual pleasure with another person who has the kind of needs. 

There are some women who deem themselves as cougars where they like to meet younger men because that is what suits your lifestyle.

 Cougars don't need to rely on the money they simply just want to have a good time and there is a place for them. Cougar dating is a fine example of a safe place for certain women of age to meet men who desire a strong and liberal type women to have a good time together.

 They both get their needs met and you know what that is ok as long no one is getting hurt. 

However, when it comes to cougar sites it is not just younger men no older men to desire cougars so there are so much variety and choice at the fingers of the buttons. 

There are no rules when it comes to who and who you shelf date. People have different needs hence why there is many a type of dating preferences.

As I have outlined some above to show that variety really is the spice of life and though you may be older in age there is still an opportunity to have fun in life. 

Cheers for reading X 

This is a sponsored post for singleandmature.com. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

15 struggles of an introvert

Hey readers, 

I am an introvert and there are many times I have struggled with being an introvert so here are 15 reasons that introvert is a real struggle at times.

1) This may sound strange but when it comes to loneliness people often assume people need to reach out to others to find comfort. However, for me as an introvert, I find that I feel more lonely when in social situations than when you are by yourself.

2) I know that when I spend time with other people it takes a lot of mental energy from me and I feel afterward completely mentally exhausting at times. Whereas my husbands thrive of people that engagement where I just feel the total opposite. 

3) As an introvert one of my biggest phobias is having to answer the house phone or take calls. I am the type of person to let the phone ring to answer the phone so I know who it is and then I will answer if I am feeling comfortable doing so. 

4) My home is a flat which I need to use a lift and the worst part of this situation is having to be stuck in a lift with a really chatty person and it can take a couple of minutes to get to the ground floor and it feels like an eternity for me. 

5) People think your mysterious or got some special personality because you don't talk to people. However, I don't, I am just not a very people person. 

6) My worst fear is having to take part in icebreaker activities, I hate them and for me, it feels like torture. I would much prefer to be kicked continuously in the stomach, I can deal with physical pain no problem but communication is not something I am good at especially when it is forced. 

7) Thank goodness for self serve as I am really awkward when having to face a supermarket till assistant and they start getting into a chit chat. 

8) I don't do small talk, it is not my specialist subject. 

9) Having a mad panic before a social event before and after. Rehearsing what I am going to say or did I say something or not something when I should of.  

10) I get angry when people interfere with my me time as this is the time I need to build back up my energy to deal with people.

11) People often assume that I am rude when I don't talk but probably more likely that I am absolutely petrified of knowing what to say or if I am doing it right and over analysing every little bit of detail.

12) The relief you get when you shut the front door at the end of the day and you don't have to worry about what you have to say as your in your safe place and you can just be you. 

13) Communication does not come naturally to me and often I get confused by the social rules in what I should or should not be doing. 

14) I seem to have this habit, not unintentionally but attracting awkward situations even though I  hate because I don't know what I am meant to do it still frequently happens

15) After social interactions, you need time by yourself to build up back your energy from the work of interacting with others 

Are you an introvert? Do you recognize this introvert struggles? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section. 

Cheers for reading X 

top 10 tips for Legoland.

Hey readers,

The other day we visited Legoland which is a fun packed family day out for all. I am sharing some tips that I have experienced that may be of some use to someone visiting Legoland. 

1. Drinks. 

Make sure you bring plenty of drinks with you and food as it is pricey plus the queues can be quite long.

2. Refill. 

If you ok with queuing then I recommend purchasing an unlimited refill cup for £1.99 and each refills then after is 60p. You can buy these from most shops throughout Legoland. You can then go to any drink type stall and ask for a refill. 

3. Wet. 

Bring towels and swimsuits with you as there is a water park there and it is fun to do whilst waiting for your next ride. 

4. Merlin Pass. 

A great investment if you like going to popular attractions is to purchase a Merlin pass. You then can get entry to Legoland plus many other popular attractions. In the premier membership, there are discounts and free parking all included in the premium pass for 34.99 per person and 11.99 each month. 

5. Q-Bot.

Q-bot is a great investment as it allows you on to rides without queueing. This is great if you have little children especially as some rides have a queue time of 1 hour. There are different payment options but you can check out details here.

6. Sensory room. 

There is a sensory room for children with additional needs such as autism. It is very good for time out especially as it is a calming environment and a quiet place to go to get away from the business of the park.

 It is near the harbor live, though it is not very well advertised and lucky I stumbled upon it or else I would not of know about it. 

7. Rides. 

The best plan I think is to choose your favorites rides you want to go on and focus on getting on them. Legoland is massive and with queuing times you can not go on everything in on one day. Always best to be prepared especially during peak time. 

8.  No queuing attractions. 

Check out the times of the shows as they are a really good fill in whilst waiting for your turn to go on a ride. 

There is a play park which is always a hit with kids plus another great filler whilst waiting for your ride. 

There are several no queue rides and they are  - mini land, Loki Labyrinth, Castaway Camp, Enchanted Forest, Harbor Live shows, Drench Towers, Splash Safari, Duplo valley theatre, and Imagination Factory. 

9. Buggies. 

If you require a buggy then do not fear as there are plenty of buggies to hire for small children as there is a lot of walking involved when visiting Legoland. 

10. Height.

A good tip would be to measure your child before going to Legoland as this then allows you to plan which suitable rides to visit before arriving at Legoland. 

I also did a vlog below to get a feel of what Legoland is like.

  Have you been to Legoland? and if so what is your best tip to have a fab day out there?

Cheers for reading X 

My Sunday Photo 09/06/2019

Busy

Hey readers,

This week for my word of the week I choose the word:

because even though the kids have returned back to school it has been busy. 

Both boys now have joined a couple of after-school clubs. This is my youngest first time and he absolutely loved it because he loves being just like his older brother.  Plus going swimming and scouts it has felt very busy. 

At the weekend Saturday was gorgeous. We visited one of our favourite park locally to us and had a picnic.

On Sunday we went to an open day at a local fire station and the boys had a lovely time checking out the fire engines and even got to sit in the front of one which pleased them greatly.

In other news, my youngest received a gold sparkly pencil which children can get for doing really well in making improvements to their handwriting. 

Hope you have had a good week. 

Cheers for reading. 

top 11 tips for visiting Thorpe Park.

Hey readers, 

Thrope park is a great place to take the family and have a good day out. In this post, I am going to going to give you my top 11 tips that I have found really beneficial when visiting Thorpe park. 

1. Tickets. 

It is much cheaper to book online for tickets then paying at the door. Alternatively, what I did was I purchased a Merlin pass which cost £11.99 plus £34.99 per person a month. This allows me to get into other popular attractions (38 in total around England). I also don't have to queue as I have the added benefit of fast track and I don't have to pay for parking as that is all included in the membership fee. 

2. Fast track. 

It can be a pain waiting for the fast track which in some cases be over an hour for a ride so might be worth thinking of paying for a fast track. There are different packages, to find out more click here.

3. Supermarkets 

Check out the local supermarket nearby for food. If you are eating at the park then check out places further afield from the main entrance. They also have a children's meal offer which makes it a lot cheaper and there is also eateries like KFC. 

4. Take a picnic.

A cheaper way to reduce food costs is to bring your own picnic as there are plenty of places to sit and enjoy your food. 

5. Refill. 

A good investment is to get the drinks vessel from the park which cost £10. I shared that with my husband and two children. You can refill as much as you want and there are over 100 different flavours so the is a variety of drink flavour to chose from. 

6. Clothing.

Bring spare clothing as there are wet rides and might be a good idea to bring raincoats/poncho. However, you can buy from the store but come with a cost. 

6. Heights.

Check children's hight beforehand and to make it easier to plan the day with what rides you want to visit. 

7. Storage. 

There are lockers throughout the park at a cost of £2 for a one time go. This is a good idea if you want to store and collect at the end of the day so you have to hurdle loads of bags with you all day. 

8. Lost.

A good tip if you are a parent is to write down your contact details on a piece of paper and put them in your child's pocket. Therefore if your child does get lost then it is easier for someone to help your child get in touch.

9. Planning. 

When choosing where to start it might be a good idea to start at the back of the park where there are fewer cues because people normally just head straight to the first ride that they see. 

10. Strollers.

 There are plenty of strollers if you need them as it is a lot of walking for a little child. 

11. Early bird.

Go early as the car park charges £10 a flat rate all day. Plus if you get earlier more change of getting more rides. 

Cheers for reading X 

How to make gratitude paper chains

Hey readers,

A fab little mindful activity to do with children is called gratitude paperchains. Where you make paper chains and write about something you are grateful for. You could ask your child what they think something that you are good at or what they do well in. These are great types of questions to ask. If they are struggling with ideas then you can give examples such as having a warm bed, being kind, playing and swimming. 

What you will need. 

- Coloured paper

- Scissors 

- Glue 

- Pens. 

Method.

1. Cut some colour strips of coloured paper. 

2. Write something that you are grateful for. 

3. Make a ring (make sure you glue one end and turn over the other end to glue and join both ends together to form a ring shape. 

4. Loop the ring into each ring to make a paper chain.

Cheers for reading X 

My Sunday Photo 02/06/2019

Holidays.

Hey readers,

My word of the week is

As you probably guessed why to bring half term holidays hence the name of my word of the week.

We had a mini break down south. We went to visit Thorpe Park which was great fun but also challenging for me and my son due to autism. However, we still had good times and went on lots of rides. I am just glad we had a fast track pass thingie.

The next day not far we went to Legoland which the boys loved and were more suitable for younger children as my sons are 5 and 7.

The second was better as it was really warm compared to the day before which was pouring it down. Legoland was packed but we are planning going back when we have our next teacher's training day.

Hope you have had a good week.

Cheers for reading X 

10 reasons to do a staycation.

Hey readers, 

Have you heard of this buzzword that is flying around called staycation if not it then the term means to choose to stay where you live or travel in your own country as appose to going on holiday abroad. Down below I have given 10 reasons why you should consider a staycation. 

1  Greener. 

Opting to chose to have a staycation is greenery because you are not traveling by airplane can contribute to the air emissions and using more than 4 months of driving just in one flight. 

2. Stress.

Of course, opting to stay in your own country means less stress with not having travel, going somewhere that is foreign speaking and trying to communicate and generally navigating around a country that you are not familiar with. It is so much easy staying local because you know where you are and less stress travellin. 

3. Local attractions. 

Staying locally is a fantastic opportunity to check out somewhere new that you haven't been locally and it also helps local businesses as your putting the money into the local economy which will benefit businesses and services greatly. 

4. No plan. 

If you stay locally where you are familiar then you don't have to plan ahead. You can be spontaneous and it won't take a long time to get there as you are more likely to know where you are going.

5. Save money.

Because you can save money on staying locally you don't have to pay for accommodation, travel flights and the like means it is a great chance to save some money which is always a winner.

6. Tourist. 

You don't have to go anywhere special to be a tourist as you can be your own tourist in your own city and check out what the local attractions are. You may even surprise yourself by finding something new that you haven't heard or tried out yet. 

7. Relaxing. 

When you stay local it means your relaxed as you have less stress from traveling to another country, For instance, you don't have to wait in massive ques, or finding your way to your hotel in a new country. It all adds to additional stress whereas staying in your home or traveling not far means you can relax and have not much to worry about compared to somewhere new or in a different country where it is different to what you are used to. 

8. Time.

 You don't have to go long holidays it can be a day out because even though holidays are meant to be relaxing going away say for two weeks is a long time it can be exhausting doing things constantly where if your at home you can relax more and not feel as much pressure to constantly go, go, go. 

9. Packing.

Of course one the best elements of a staycation is not having to pack and make sure that your suitcase is the right weight with all the things you need.

10. Family/friends. 

Having a staycation means it allows you to incorporate if you wish to see friends and family.

What do you think about a staycation? Love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. 

Cheers for reading X 

dream home improvements wish list. **AD**

Hey readers,

Thinking about ideas that I would love to incorporate into home improvements would be first to choose aluminium windows. 

This is because of the quality that is given with A-rated efficiency, making it value for money in the long term. With the windows comes a 10-year guarantee so you have that security knowing they will be of good quality.

 Also, with the windows, there are high-security locks given you that peace of mind especially if I am away on holiday, for instance, I can relax that bit more.

If I had the money I would invest in underfloor heading all around my flat because it is comforting and luxurious. It helps the floors keep warm and just generally feel more homey with it incorporated into my dream home improvements. 

Within my kitchen, I would upgrade my home appliances to be more energy efficiency with star rated meaning it is more environmentally friendly.

 Not to mention that it cuts costs down your energy bill by using less energy meaning I would save money. 

If money was no object then I would choose to update my outdated kitchen with a new one. The kitchen is the centre of our home and gets used every day so deserves a little update.

 I would look into good storage as we don't have a lot of space.  I would choose good solid oak worktops, I would rip out the old cupboard and go for a light colour kitchen unit that draws the light in but is easy to clean with. 

Regarding the cupboard hands, I would probably add some quirky handles to stamp my own design on it to add character to the room.

I would paint the kitchen as well something light and airy and not to mention more lighting strips so there is more light which is practical as well when it comes to cooking in the kitchen. 

I would consider incorporating into the kitchen area a breakfast bar. The kitchen is a place to come together for my children and husband and vice versa to sit and be sociable in the kitchen whilst someone is working away in there. 

My kitchen floor is not perfect nor is it straight so it would be lovely to add fresh new tiles like these ones and get them professionally fitted. I like the pattern and I think again they are easy to clean as I think being practical when it comes to working space is also key. 

With regards to my bedroom, I would like to take off all the wallpaper, make the walls all smooth and then decorate all the walls including the ceiling with a new lick of paint. I would like the ceiling wall to be painted in a colour that is white as it would give a fresh feel. Then the other walls I would paint them a light blue colour.  I find the colour very calming which would be perfect for helping me get to sleep or be a place where I can go to chill out. 

Finally, I would invest in getting a new mattress to help with my quality of sleep. I think making sure the small things are taken care of are important. 

Cheers for reading X

This is an AD for Three Countries LTD. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

It's a causal thing **AD**

Hey readers,

Sometimes in life, we want a bit of fun? Some people just simply want no strings attached fun. This allows the person to enjoy some time together with another like-minded person but without the commitment where you are looking for casual adult dating.

 That is why if this is your thing you should check out this site called no strings dating . Sometimes, life can be stressful and that is why it is important to do something that you enjoy that is why connected to like-minded people is an awesome way to go because you know what is happening and that you ok with that. 

I know in the UK there is quite a taboo that sex outside a relationship is odd but sometimes people want and have needs that are just simply friendship and sex. They don't want to get tied down or they just want a bit of fun that is why sex dating sites have emerged. There is a selection of people that seek out to find like-minded people who want casual adult dating.

I think sometimes in modern society people assume that sex is linked to love which is not the case. We as humans have sexual needs and they may just be physiological rather than have the emotional connection. 

 Some people can be friends and have a sexual element in their relationship but they don't want it to be limited to a long term relationship which is absolutely fine if this is what you agree on. 

I think being more open and breaking down stigma can mean better quality of life. This then allows the person to get enjoyment without feeling ashamed or feared that you are viewed negatively because of your decisions of choosing a causal relationship. 

We need to remember that as an adult we can make our own decisions. We can choose what we want as long as it is not hurting anyone. If both parties are happy with the arrangement then go ahead and do what makes you happy because life to short to worry just embrace your designs and do what feels right for you.

 You have a choice to say yes or no and if you say yes then check out sex dating site to find similar like-minded people. 

Other times individuals have just come out of a relationship and don't want that commitment but just want a bit of fun. A fun thing to do is to check out dating sites because they give you a chance to meet the right sort of person for you especially. as we live in busy times and there is a lot more variety online for you to choose the best.

I know that some people who have had the no strings set up can actually change their mind and they may go more committed down the line where they have good friendships or even stronger have a more committed relationship, which is absolutely fine because life is never black and white and we can feel different at different times. You may get to know the person more and your views change and vice versa.

Cheers for reading X 

This is an ad for No Strings Dating. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

We Love Dates **AD**

Hey readers, 

In this modern age, it is more common to meet people through the internet. Dating online is so convenient when we are living in a busy world and meeting people especially as an adult can be tough so that is why free dating sites are the way forward. 

The beauty with internet dating is it allows you to have access to a more diverse range of people that may tickle your interest. The world is your oyster especially when it comes to online dating. 

What is better than online dating having a platform that is free and doesn't cost you anything and allowing you the opportunity to meet new people.  

We love dates is a brilliant WeLoveDates to check out if you want an easy way to meet new people. However, there is more to these dating sites as there are people who work at We Love Dates who can help match you up to the right person best for your needs and desires. 

Now as I sit here and consider what I would do if I would choose to be a professional matchmaker I would think about getting the right two people to connect with. 

I would not focus on perfection because we all know that doesn't exist. Sometimes you hit a hard rock in the journey of dating. I feel it is important to know that it is ok and to encourage the individual to stick at it even though they want to quit. 

Sometimes you have to take make mistakes to find the right person for you. It is a little known fact that mistakes are the best way of learning. 

I think when it comes to matchmaking you may think too much about the chemistry between two people but sometimes you just have to do it like Nike would say.

This is because if you don't test out you don't know where the baseline is. You will never know what success is if you don't try. At least if mistakes happen when dating you can learn and move forward with your journey. Just remember that a diamond doesn't start of polished and you need to work hard to reap the reward at a later date. 

I think to be a matchmaker takes a lot of dedication and you might know the individual you are helping more than my own partner. 

This is because of the lengths that I would go to make sure that the individual has the best chance to catch the right fish for them. 

It would be a big commitment to be a matchmaker because you need to get to know the individual. 

It is like a cheap therapy session potentially for the matchmaker and client especially if the individual has trauma from past experiences. 

They may naturally have anxiety especially with vanity apps such as Tinder. It can be hard so you have to learn to build the confidence of the person so that they can go forth and date. 

I think having a sense of humour and not taking the situation too seriously when being a matchmaker helps. 

This theory would help therefore ease the client and be more open with you about their needs and desires. 

I think having an open and honest communication when it comes to dating is key to get the best results for the individual.

I imagine that being a matchmaker is time-consuming and the key is being there for the client.

 Hey, you never know spending more time with a client can be more refreshing than having to listen to a boring chat with my husband. 
It would be almost like I am having an affair minus the sexual element. I would have to get to know the client well and make sure I was their personal Godmother being there for them through the roller coaster ride of the dating game. 

It is vital I imagine if I was a matchmaker being reliable for the person seeking love so that they know that they could trust me with their fate and happiness.

 I think if I had success with matchmaking it would make me feel like I am buzzing because I got a match right and I contributed to not just one but two peoples happiness and future.

It is a big commitment in which a big part of helping with this one wish that the person has in wanting to find that one special person in their life.

 I feel that matchmaking is a unique kind of job opportunity that can be challenging and rewarding in good measure and I am sure along the line I would also learn a lot about myself on the job.

Cheers for reading X 

This is an ad for We Love Dates. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.